Two men, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, have been convicted in a significant murder-for-hire plot targeting Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad at her Brooklyn home. A federal jury in New York found them guilty of charges including murder-for-hire, firearms possession, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors alleged that the scheme was financed by Iran’s government, which has been accused of orchestrating several plots against Alinejad.
The motivations behind the plot are deeply rooted in Alinejad’s activism against Iran’s mandatory hijab laws and her broader criticism of the Iranian regime. Her campaigns have been a thorn in the side of Iranian authorities, who have repeatedly attempted to silence her. In 2021, a failed kidnapping plot led to the arrest of four Iranian intelligence officials, highlighting the extent of Iran’s efforts to target her.
When these attempts failed, Iran allegedly placed a $500,000 bounty on Alinejad’s life, further escalating the threats against her. The conviction of Amirov and Omarov, who prosecutors identified as members of the Russian mob, marks a significant victory in the fight against such plots.
Following the verdict, Alinejad expressed a mix of emotions, describing herself as “bombarded with emotions.” She stated, “Today is not just about my survival; it is about the defeat and humiliation of a regime that believes it can silence its critics with bullets.” Alinejad, who worked for Voice of America after leaving Iran in 2009, vowed to continue her fight for justice and accountability for the Iranian regime’s actions.
Iran’s government has consistently denied involvement in such plots, labeling the allegations as “ridiculous and baseless.” However, the conviction of Amirov and Omarov underscores the ongoing concerns about Iran’s targeting of dissidents abroad. The case serves as a reminder of the risks faced by journalists and activists who challenge authoritarian regimes, and the importance of protecting freedom of speech and human rights.
Source: BBC
